Philippine Ambassador Ezzedin H. Tago told Arab News Thursday that 37-year-old Rodelio “Dondon” Lanuza, a Filipino on death row in Dammam for 13 years for killing a Saudi national who tried to assault him, will be freed after the aggrieved family accepted blood money, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona said.
Lanuza is expected to be released in two to three weeks and expressed his appreciation to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.
“Rodelio 'Dondon' Lanuza has been fingerprinted and it will take two to three weeks before Public Security could give clearance for an exit visa,” the envoy said.
He also thanked the former Eastern Province Gov. Prince Mohammed bin Fahd, the Saudi Reconciliation Committee in Dammam, as well as the family of Lanuza's victim.
He said the Philippine Embassy officials were in the Eastern Province in the last two days coordinating with authorities for Lanuza's release.
In a text message received by Arab News, Lanuza also expressed his thanks to all those who tirelessly extended their support through the 13 years that he has been imprisoned.
“We are also grateful to God. He made me the person that He wants me to be, for giving me a new lease of life, for sending me all the people I need to support me. I'm also very grateful to the Saudi king for answering our plea, to the SRC for the hard work and dedication in saving me from death row and securing my release,” he said.
He also thanked the jail management, which he said treated him fairly. “I also thank the family of the person I accidentally killed. Words will never be enough to express how grateful I am. I will forever be indebted to all of you,” he said.
Lanuza thanks all ahead of release
